Solar Warden

Escape Part 126

"That was not expected," Fisher looked at the volumetric display. He tried to think what they are up to. Intercept the shuttles on the other side. They could have extrapolated the course or are there other options? "Inform Ryan that the enemy capital ship might intercept them. I guess they still have enough time to decide."

"Less than five minutes. At least for a fast return to the planet," Clark informed. It was an acceleration problem. They were using the planets gravity to build up more speed. Once they are away of the planet it would cost them quite some time to stop and fly back. Also there was then the chance that the rest of the fighters would reach them.

Fisher was now thinking hard and the time was against him. He also had to give orders for the incoming fighters. Also another possibility came him now in mind. That maybe the aliens jumped into hyperspace and moved close to their jump position, to make a jump not possible or just destroying both ships by trying it. What had the aliens to lose. From the information of Knight, the insectoids are the controlling lifeform and very likely not on board of any ship. So it was down to the production value of a ship and its controlling robots, organism or whatever they are.

"The fighters are decelerating," Clark informed. They calculated for a full kamikaze acceleration to the Icarus, which meant the fastest option to reach them. Then the enemy fighters would overshoot while shooting at the Icarus or kamikaze with devastating effects. But now with the deceleration it would take even more time to reach the Icarus.

Was this a trap and the Icarus could not jump?

"Check our hyperdrive. Is it possible that the enemy capital ship is blocking our jump ability and trap us here or even crash into us?" The Captain needed that information. But it was not likely that the experts figure this out in time.

"I inform the physics department. Too bad that Newman is not on board. He is the expert in this matter," the communication officer replied.

"True, give me Ryan afterward," the Captain checked the volumetric display. All their combat drones were now close to engaging the 40 enemy fighters. Also the other fighters were closing in.

"Helm, let us strafe around a bit to make it harder for the incoming fighters to hit us."

"Yes, sir."

"Prepare to fire a missile salvo at them," Fisher wanted to see how effective they were and maybe force them to evade.

"Affirmative," came the reply from the weapons officer.

"I have now Ryan on the line," the communication officer informed.

Fisher went to him.

"Ryan, we don't know if the capital ship can block our ability to jump or even worse. The other option that they intercept you also is still possible."

"Wait, I ask Newman about it." Ryan was now talking to Newman, then switched back. "He is thinking now. So what option do we have. I guess not much."

"That's the problem. You alter course. But the enemy can adapt for that. When you are close to the jumpable zone he can even get closer on you. We also don't know if they have still fighters on board. That means they could outrun you. For us is the only option now to get rid of the fighters. This will sure take time. You should consider either to stay in orbit or even go back in the cover of the cave till we worked out a better solution." Fisher was following the combat drones on the volumetric display. He checked now for the fighters which were closing in on the Icarus. "Fire the missiles."

Ryan was now thinking. "Wait a moment I discuss it with the others."